How to See What My Kids Are Doing on the Internet on Their Computers

The Internet is a big place for kids. Parents are reasonably concerned about how kids are using the Internet on their computers. There are several ways to see what a child is doing on the Internet through conversations, where the computer is used and Internet monitoring software. Begin with a conversation between you and your child about Internet use and decide what steps to take from there. Kids who feel like they are trusted may openly discuss their computer use with parents.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your child about what he is doing on the computer and how to be safe on the Internet. The best way to keep children safe is through communicating with them. Keep a conversation going about what you use the computer for and what he finds interesting and worth his time on the Internet. Make an agreement with your child to not disclose personal information such as last name, address, school or passwords. Ask your child to talk to you immediately if someone asks to meet in person or if she feels uncomfortable with any experience she has online. You can use the Family Internet Safety Gameplan featured on Internetsafety.com to print a contract you and your child can sign together.

    • 2

      Choose a location for the computer where you can see what your child is doing from time to time. Older children and teens may not appreciate hovering, but they are also less likely to engage in potentially dangerous situations if they are using the computer in a public area. Continue communicating about how they are using the computer and what they think of websites they find. Ask questions to help them make decisions regarding their time on the computer that work for both of you.

    • 3

      Install Internet monitoring software if you want a computer-generated report of what your child is doing on the Internet. Many companies provide computer monitoring software, and some may be downloaded for free on download.net. Software designed for parents to monitor children often report activity such as instant messaging, chats, email, passwords, profiles and websites visited. Parents can see what their children are doing on the Internet in privacy, or the reports can be used for discussion.

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